April 26
DebDay 43: We all Praise what we Trust
There is an opinion piece in Juneau's newspaper this morning, entitled, "Narcissism is in our DNA." The writer defines Narcissists as "harboring skyscraping delusions of their own capabilities."
He goes on to describe the same. They exaggerate their own accomplishments, have a high need for admiration, and are too thin-skinned to accept criticism. They feel entitled to want and deserve the best, and only want to associate with those he/she deems equal or higher in their estimation.
We can all think of someone who is a narcissist. None of us think immediately of ourselves, of course. The Mayo Clinic lists narcissism as a mental illness.
I know the local writer. He is likely not referring to anyone sharing his own political persuasion. The veiled criticism he proposes is toward those who would encourage others to re-open their businesses, or stop wearing a face mask. (But I digress.)
We humans, all of us, put our trust in something. It may be the opinions of others we subsequently claim as our own. It may be in our politics that produce political heroes. Or it could be in our government, our schools, our friends, even our churches - trusting them to acknowledge us and meet our felt needs.
Psalm 146:3-4 says, "Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish."
It doesn't stop there.
vv.5-7 say, "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
In other words...
Put your trust in the One who made everything.
Put your trust in the One who keeps His promises.
Put your trust in the One who does what is right.
Put your trust in the One who does what is gracious.
We all trust someone or something. We praise what we trust.
Narcissists praise themselves. Political parties praise their platform. In contrast, the truly redeemed cry out in praise with this...
"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." (Psalm 146:1-2)
We all praise what we trust!
-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau
